The crank is the mechanical version of a loop. By using hand-cranked instruments, we are able to create rhythmic and repetitive patterns easily. We can alter the sound by altering the crank's speed and direction, and we can also use plucking and scratching. By working in an ensemble, we can create layers of sound.

The resulting sounds are surprisingly pleasing. They can range from sparse new-music style "plinking" to melodic loopiness to hardcore noise.

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Cranks at BRINK ~ Photo by Charles Amirkhanian

I made the first instruments for a performance at the Garden of Memory event, organized by Sarah Cahill. I was working on more mechanized sound sculptures, but became frustrated by the lack of nuance and the presence of motor noise. Once I built the instruments, I needed to recruit people to crank them. I was very lucky to find some exceptional people perform with them.

I made two very good CDs from the first three concerts, which you can have simply by
and giving me money. You can also listen to a nice chunk of it HERE. The Crank Ensemble includes (or has included) Bodil Fox, Lena Strayhorn, Chris Miller, Keith Nomura, Patricia Ravara, Eugene Chen, Adam Shraft, Matt Davignon, Mark Brest van Kempen, Aaron Ximm, Bronwyn Ximm, Kevin Mathieu, Vicki Olds, Molli Amara Simon, Mary Behm, Hugh Steinberg, and God knows whom else.